malaysiangKUALA LUMPUR, RYTHM Foundation, the social impact initiative of the Qi Group, remains committed and more active in implementing programmes to empower those in need, particularly in the field of education which is considered crucial for the development of a community.
Head of RYTHM Foundation Santhi Periasamy said the foundation focuses on providing assistance to those in need of educational support especially children who have difficulty accessing education such as those from the B40 group, living in remote areas and Orang Asli children.
‘One thing that you can develop any community through is education because without education no community survives. Education is the only pathway and the only answer to development.
‘It is very sad to know how many communities out there in the world and Malaysia (as well) are deprived of equity and equality in education. There are so many things that can be done through education in many different modes and approaches which RYTHM Foundation is doing.
‘For instance, we ha
ve a school (under the foundation) in Petaling Jaya for special needs and we are doing a lot for the education of indigenous or Orang Asli children in Malaysia,’ she told Bernama when met at the RYTHM Foundation hi-tea with media practitioners here recently.
In fact, Santhi said more than 100 indigenous or Orang Asli students from Sabah and Pahang, have benefited from educational programmes implemented by the RYTHM Foundation.
‘The educational programmes for Indigenous children in Sabah and Pahang began in 2021 and 2022, respectively. It is expected that by the end of September this year, we will be launching similar educational programs in Kedah,’ she said.
Besides focusing on education, she said the RYTHM Foundation also emphasises the empowerment of youth, particularly teenage girls from underprivileged families by enhancing their skills in various fields to help improve their lives.
She said among the initiatives is the Maharani School Programme (MSP) which aims to provide academic support and persona
l development for teenage girls to help build their self-confidence, and leadership skills, and realise their potential.
‘The programme is slowly evolving from what it was about one-and-a-half decade ago…we go to schools and run this programme to empower these girls through our leadership programme and today, we also have a lab in Damansara Damai where we focus on IT skills, soft skills, leadership skills and exposing them to career opportunities,’ she added.
The MSP, introduced in 2010, has impacted over 8,000 students. This holistic programme is designed for teenagers aged 13 to 17, with priority given to students from B40 families.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency
